John Sims, Cooper City Commissioner

I want to make government more like a business; a problem solver, not a problem creator. My focus while in office will be restoring freedom, combating runaway taxes, eliminating uncontrolled government spending, and reducing inefficient, excessive regulation. My 'agenda' is to restore liberty, not restrict it, to shrink government, not expand it and observe the limited, enumerated powers of our Constitution, not ignore them.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

COOPER CITY, FL (September 13, 2016) --- In response to the resident concerns about the ongoing speeding problem in Cooper City, the City Commission has encouraged BSO to "step-up" traffic enforcement, with a zero tolerance policy for drivers who ignore speed limits and stop signs. The discussion began with an item on the September 12th Budget Hearing agenda, regarding a traffic study for 118th Ave. All members of the Commission were in agreement that action must be taken to deter drivers from exceeding speed limits throughout Cooper City.It was stressed that every officer should be ticketing every driver who is speeding. Residents are complaining and they are afraid for their children's safety, but they are also the ones who are speeding. The Commission complimented BSO's enforcement activities and shared that District 16 deputies issued a total of 534 tickets citywide, just during the month of August. A Labor Day weekend traffic blitz resulted in 141 tickets. Speeding violations have warranted 358 tickets on SW 118th Avenue and 146 tickets on SW 49th Street alone for the year to date.Acknowledging that BSO must "walk a fine line" between enforcement and community relations, It was stressed that BSO make a concerted effort and take whatever measures are necessary to curb this problem. Captain Cates has full authority to enforce the City's speed limits and issue any citations that are necessary. Captain Cates agreed that speeding in dense urban areas is a chronic problem throughout South Florida and will develop a strategy to hit this issue hard to gain community compliance.Additional traffic details will be presented to the Commission at the Final Budget Hearing on September 20th at 6:30 in City Hall.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

It is unfortunate that my colleagues have spent their
time seeking to prevent me from theexercisingmy 1st amendment
rights. My comments are reflective of my views ofthe continued highly questionable activities of this commission. I have
been electedby the voters in Cooper
City three consecutive times, becausethey have come to rely upon me to speak the truth no matter what the
consequences may be. Whether it offends some or not, the truth must come first.
I fully stand by my comments...

Friday, December 25, 2015

I
look forward to reading your analysis. Hey! You didn't speak to any local
activists!

Our
mayor is going too far. Greg Ross seems to be the one aggressively pushing this
Resolution. While I understand his concern about the letter Sims sent to the
Judge, the breadth of the proposed Resolution is very disturbing. There are
very serious allegations set out yet there is no clear procedure about
submitting any sort of evidence backing up the allegations. The word "illegal"
is even used. Is the plan by Ross to go in, the city attorney reads the
resolution, someone moves to vote on the resolution, and after a member's
second they proceed to vote? Commission members do not have to speak. They can
vote on this w/o any real discussion. This has all the makings of a drumbeat
court martial to be followed by an execution.

Our
mayor is supposed to be an experienced Florida attorney. Someone who appears
before local state courts in civil and criminal matters. Yet none of the rules
or procedures related to this "special meeting" seem clear. It is not
even clear why Mayor Ross felt the urgent need to bring forward such a highly
unusual matter.

I
wrote the mayor for information on the planned procedures & received no
response. The Resolution has the appearance of a not very well thought out
tantrum. Yet, because due process, notice, minutes, etc., seem to be of only
marginal interest to many of those in Cooper City government, it looks like the
plan is to just barrel ahead. Why not? That's the way things are done in Cooper
City.

There
is a background to all of this going way back. Back to Greg Ross before he was
mayor coming into meetings to criticize Sims. Back to about the very first
thing Ross did when elected mayor- when he pushed an expedited agenda item to
de facto censure Sims for a Sims Facebook posting criticizing Obama. Ross got
away with that, his city attorney saying and doing nothing. The latter saying
nothing despite a written city policy seeming to direct "hands off"
on a commission member's off the dais political speech. The city got away with
it in a well-established local procedure. Anything troublesome, anything
possibly an impediment? Just ignore it. And so it has gone since that
first Ross move in 12/2012.

In
the last two months the majority of the commission under Ross' leadership have,
in my view, taken steps towards ripping up the City's Charter. They are making
changes that affect the City's most important appointive board w/o allowing
residents to vote on those changes in a referendum. It has been outrageous and
insulting, and it has been backed at every step by the day to day city
attorney. It is
clearly the case the majority of the commission wants to exercise control over
the city's Charter Review Board, and nothing is going to stop that. Even
when legal opinions and analysis had no references or citations to legal
authority, it did not matter. Even when a commission member made inaccurate
assertions about receiving a "second opinion" from the AG on a vital
question, it did not matter. Even when it meant setting aside or ignoring well-established
precedent, it did not matter.

The
local political situation is that nothing gets in the way of our commission's
majority. They are increasingly authoritarian and as indicated by this new
Resolution, completely out of control. They are far too free from any effective
oversight, and their insensitivity to the will of the people is clearly
reaching critical mass.

In
my opinion Sims' perception is the city has no respect for any law or rules
that impede its desires. Sims obviously believes the day to day city attorney
is a mere "yes man" for whatever the majority (his paymasters) orders
him to do. That is what John Sims believes. I am not defending Sims' letter.
But in my opinion Commissioner Sims' actions and intent can only be understood
and analyzed within the context of why he so distrusts the day to day city
attorney and the majority of his colleagues.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

The First Amendment and Freedom of Speech is not perfect. It
allows truths to be told and it allows lies to run rampant. It does not have the
ability, in and of itself, to determine what is correct and what is incorrect.
Rather, this imperfect amendment, with no safeguards as to veracity, allows the
listener to make their own decision, allows the teller to put his foot in his
mouth and allows those with various opinions to have various takes of what was
said and what they heard. Anything short of this imperfect amendment would show
just how perfect this amendment is. - Jamie Benjamin

Monday, December 21, 2015

@CooperCityGOV Mayor & commissioners censure commissioner for telling the truth! Corruption rules in #CooperCityFL and so does lies, deceit, fraud and political corruption (In my humble opinion)
READ The Letter to the Judge regarding lies and a FRAUD ON THE COURT by Cooper City Attorney and Mayor ('ambulance chaser'/defense attorney Greg Ross) regarding the MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CLASS ACTION lawsuit that Mayor Greg Ross touted as "FRIVOLOUS"...another lie to the constituency (Yes, the 4th DCA approved the class) Now the citizens of #CooperCity will pay hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for the FRAUD and LIES by #JamesCurran, #GregRoss#, #LisaMallozzi, #JeffGreen...and #DavidWolpin

Saturday, May 16, 2015

The
week of March 11th was Sunshine
Week. Such has not been the case as of late in Cooper City. Sunshine
Week is observed annually throughout the US to point out that the public's
business must be open to the public and that Government, must be open to public
inspection. It is a national 'open government' initiative spearheaded by the
majority of Americans to raise the awareness and educate the public about the
importance of open government and the dangers of excessive secrecy.

It
coincides with the birthday of James Madison, a Founding Father of our country
known for his emphasis on the checks and balances in government and his
advocacy of open government, a view that I continue to strongly support. Open
government and transparency are essential to maintaining our freedoms from
repression by government as well as free speech. As such, political discourse
and full expression of opinion is a necessary and vital element for a healthy society
to survive.

The
words describing open government and transparency are words that may well be
ignored. These words are being propagated yet ignored deep down in the bowels
of the bureaucracy of government administrations. Given my experience and based
on mine and other's observations, I have concluded and am disappointed to
report that transparency and open government, along with freedom of speech, are
not being put into practice in our city as required. We saw this in the recent State
Attorney’s criminal investigation in Cooper City regarding secretly held
meetings and again just last month regarding lack of notice to the public for
Planning and Zoning Board meetings.

The
Privacy and Freedom of Information Acts, along with constitutional amendments regarding
Free Speech and Free Expression, are not meant to limit the flow of information
and communication between the government and its electorate, but quite the
opposite. The disregard by government of the clear language of the law is
disheartening. It is quite appropriate that during Sunshine Week, although
already passed, I bring out the turbulence that our local city government has
created in abeyance of our Constitution and Sunshine laws.

I
have placed on the agenda, an initiative to demand full, open and vast public
notice of any and all ‘non-shade’ meetings in Cooper City.I am not referring to just the bare minimal
legal requirements. We will see if my colleagues on the commission support your
rights, or protect the established methods that smacks of a complete and
arrogant disregard for our public duty, our Oath of Office and our collective
consciousness when it comes to fully informing the public.

During
Sunshine Week, hundreds of truly dedicated elected representatives who
understand the great and vast importance of this issue, media organizations, publishers,
civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and other participants, engage in
public discussion on the importance of open government throughout many coffee
shops, gatherings with family and friends, news programs, featured articles and
hundreds of opinion columns, Web pages and blogs, editorials, cartoons, public
service advertising, public seminars and forums.

As such, I
implore you to do what you can to demand open government, improve open
government and transparency, to communicate more effectively with your local
elected officials and provide a full range of commentary not just on political
issues, but on your everyday issues. Only the future will show who will step up
to the mandates of open government in Cooper City.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thank you Cooper City! I would like to thank all of Cooper
City’s residents for my recent re-election victory despite the staunch opposition.
This was a grass-roots movement motivated by demanding change in how our city
has been led and how it will be led in the future. This was indeed a victory
for ‘We The People’.

It was important for me to run again because I’ve seen our
community continually headed in the wrong direction. We’ve become way too complacent.
Governments are instituted to protect the people’s rights and liberties, and that’s
what’s lacking in our city. Too many have been playing politics as opposed to
representing the wants and desires of their constituents.

I am pro good government. I want to see limited, effective government.
As such, I will continue to work for you, the resident and business owner,
advocating lower taxes, a smaller more accountable government, personal
responsibility, a strong police presence and protection individual rights, and I
will continue to stand by my voting record and my fiscally conservative actions
while representing the people and business owners of Cooper City.

Based on our recent budget, the city must implement severe cost-reduction
measures rather than fund our future on increased taxes. If not, we will either
have to continue raise taxes, or make some serious cuts. And, nothing can be
held harmless in making those deep cuts.

We can’t fund our city’s future on the fly, yet viable solutions
are absolutely within reach. The city at all levels must stop and think “what’s
good for Cooper City and its residents?" when making decisions. With that,
I will remain fully committed
to review and implement any and all cost cutting/cost sharing measures which
provide a more accountable, efficient and effective city government at a
reduced cost for the residents of our great city.

There are only two parts of the issue of success on the city
commission, and they are mutual assistance and mutual respect. That has been
lacking for quite some time, and now is the time to continue to hold each and
every commissioner accountable. Mutual respect means that although we may not
agree on issues, we must work through these differences, honestly and openly,
and the end result must be solely on your behalf. We can WIN together but only
if we WORK together. The past is behind us, the present is an opportunity, and
the future is in our hands. My friends, good things do not come to those who
wait. We’ve tried that, and now we now must reach...together.

In
closing, I would like to once again thank the residents of Cooper City for
allowing me to serve as your ‘Go To’ Commissioner. It is an honor to continue
to represent you. You can view my website at www.KeepSims.com, or I am readily available by telephone
at 954.445.6997 or via email at commissioner_sims@coopercityfl.org. Please
allow me to continue to help resolve your concerns.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Janet and I cordially invite you to join us this coming Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 PM – at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, in the Commission Chambers where I will be sworn in as the senior member of the city commission, and as City Commissioner for Cooper City for District 1. LET'S PACK THE HOUSE!

Your support over the past 7+ years, and especially over the last few months has been absolutely overwhelming. Last election day, November 4th, I succeeded in winning every precinct but two, thanks to the support of Cooper City residents who voted not just for me, but for continued and increased fiscal responsibility, ethical government, honesty, open government and communication, and most of all government transparency. Simply put, your voice was heard loud and clear despite staunch opposition by the unbefitting political faction who fortunately no longer controls our lives, our city and our local government!

You have given me the continued responsibility to keep a keen watch over our city government, the opportunity to change the way our city does business, and to ensure your hard earned money is not wasted on wants, but real needs. And...I will work with my colleagues, as they have again promised in collaboration on your behalf, to do just that as I again take my place on the dais, unfortunately for my final term in office.

Together, we will continue to make Cooper City an even greater place, yes, more than just 'Someplace Special' for our working families to live and prosper.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

I want to thank Cooper City for their unwavering support and for their confidence and faith in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Also, a BIG THANKS to everyone who stood fast and volunteered in the race! YOU deserve the kudos!

Together, we will make Cooper City more than just 'Someplace Special'! It just goes to show that dirty politricks, empty suits, corruption, smear campaigns, lies, sign theft, frivolous newspaper and corrupt union endorsements and the 'it's all about me' attitude just doesn't work anymore in 'Someplace Special'!

Monday, November 3, 2014

It
has been seven plus years since my first election to the Commission. You and I
share many memories, trials and tribulations. Some of those memories have been
glorious, some have been very frightening and sad. We have made many friends
and enemies, and have gained and lost the support of residents. After all of
the trials and tribulations, the opportunity to work with you and serve Cooper
City has made my life’s goals worthwhile, and I wish to continue to serve the
public in the best way that I can, looking out for you...

The coming election on Nov. 4th is of great importance to Cooper City. It is
and has always been my committed goal to represent all of the city residents
regardless of the district lines, which are in place for residency requirements
only. Anyone in the entire city can support me.

As many of you are aware the problems that have faced us over the past couple
of years has demanded that the voice of the residents must be heard and
responded to, and not simply at the pleasure of a few. I have never wavered
from my dedication to providing a forum for you to communicate your needs and
to seek out solutions that are responsive to you.

The budget of the city has increased from less than $30M to over $50M in 7
years. I have vigorously sought to prevent unnecessary spending, yet at the
same time insisting that the quality of services to the residents be of utmost
importance.

As the only commissioner who has run a business and met payroll, I can assure
you that now that this is not the time for on-the-job training, inexperience
and a learning process at your expense. My experience, expertise and
fundamental understanding of the processes of municipal government is solely
directed to making the very best of what we offer as services of the city.

The issues that seem to continue to require diligence are speed control within
the city, the proper allocation of Code Compliance (compliance is the key, not
a heavy handed oppression), and an upmost persistence to open transparent
government with my commitment to hearing what the residents want, as that is
why I am have earned the name of your ‘Go To’ commissioner.

It is responding to your emails, letters, and phone calls that resulted in your
confidence in me by elected me twice and I hope for a third term so that I can
continue to act on your behalf and not just simply go along to get along as
some of my colleagues seem to do.

To know John Sims is to know how hard he works for you. He has the right vision
for Cooper City and, with your cooperation; wonderful new things can happen to
our quality of life & neighborhoods in Cooper City. At the same time John
is very business oriented and fiscally astute. If you want a straight answer,
not rhetoric, talk to John. If you want many continued empty promises, runaway
spending and politically correct gibberish, vote for those who oppose and who
are running against Commissioner Sims.

It is quite clear that some have in the past, and another one is running for
office without any real understanding of the issues must less how to go about
finding a solution. We need experience in city hall, not just another empty
suit! Let's all continue the fight to solve the issues that linger in our city!

Who's going to be able to deliver leadership in our future without the constraints
and ties to the past or present, without obligations and political favors to
special interests? That’s right, John Sims! We talk so much about our history
and the fact that Cooper City is supposed to be ‘Someplace Special”, but this
is not about our history. It's about our future. And our future is at a
dangerous crossroad. “My interest is genuine. It has been proven time and time
again that I am representing you and no one else.”

And so I ask you, the people of Cooper City, to think this through with me. In
facing this decision to seek re-election, I seek your prayers and support. In
making it, I have decided that my service to you is of the utmost importance,
for this is a decision that will affect our city's well-being for years to
come. As such, I want you to know that I have an unmistakable belief in my
destiny…honest and dedicated public service.

I wish to thank all of you for the support, dedication and help in the past and
in the future. We can only succeed if we all try together, and city hall is the
place to start! Let me help you to continue to be successful and continue to
maintain Cooper City as 'Someplace Special'!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Hello all...I’m working hard on continuing to be your ‘Go To’ commissioner in Cooper City.

Throughout my many years as a resident and public servant, I’ve been actively involved in our community working with residents and local business owners to ensure that we maintain Cooper City as ‘Someplace Special’, unlike my opponent who has never been involved in anything regarding your issues, the city and it's business.

This office is not just about setting policy and implementing local laws; this office is about trust, integrity, open government, public safety, your money, and a whole lot more...

We need to guarantee the future of our community for today and a strengthened community for everyone in the future, with an improved quality of life for our children and our grandchildren for years to come.

It’s all about protecting and preserving our rights and our quality of life. I hope you will keep me, John Sims, as your ‘Go To’ commissioner in Cooper City. Thank you for your vote and your support!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Walt Jolliff -- Recent events in the singular election contest in Cooper City has brought out the real nature of the challenger to Commissioner John Sims. The opponent and his supporters started their campaign of destruction and thievery by stealing campaign signs during the darkness of night, signs legally placed upon local property and on business locations provided to the Sims campaign. Such behavior is more like that of adolescent youngsters and it is totally unacceptable for adults who seek to govern our city. The fact that destruction and thievery of political signs not only reflects upon the character of the perpetrators and the candidate they support but is a slap in the face of the residents who regardless of their political view support the freedom of speech which allows all of us to express our view openly and without concern or fear of the stealth of vandalism during the night upon our property or the property of others. The financial impact of these nefarious activities has now reached the point of constituting theft at the level of Grand Theft, that’s right grand theft. Hundreds of dollars in signs, lumber and manpower paid for by well intentioned residents in support of their candidate of choice has been tarnished by the childish acts of adults thinking that this is the political process of disapproval that we in Cooper City condone. Can there be any excuse for such behavior? This is not the mischievous behavior of youngsters, this is the conduct of a person or persons who seek to advocate their choice of candidate to govern our community by theft of the expression of others in their choice. I think it is time to call upon the decent law abiding residents of Cooper City to show their disapproval of this disgusting and illegal conduct by doing what all law abiding people do in our country. Express your disgust with this nefarious conduct and use your belief in the manner that all good citizens believe in. It is up to you to decide what type of persons you want in your local community government. One which operates during the darkness of night by destruction and thievery or one that which conducts its self openly during the light of day. It’s up to you to make the call. Exercise your precious right to elect the person you think can do the best on your behalf by your VOTE on Nov. 4th. I am casting my vote for John Sims.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

As many of you are aware, the problems that have faced Cooper City have demanded that the voice of the residents be heard and responded to. I have never wavered from my dedication to you, communicating about your issues and seeking solutions that are favorable.

The city budget has doubled from $25M to $50M in 7 years. I have objected to unnecessary spending, meanwhile insisting that the quality of services to our residents come first. I support reducing taxes to put more money in your pocket. The city must immediately address revenue wind-falls by reducing unnecessary spending. The city must spend less and ‘tighten their belt’ as us residents have had to do.

Now is not the time for inexperienced leadership. My experience in business and municipal government are directed to providing the best of services offered to our residents and business owners. The issues that seem to require diligence are; controlling speeding, obtaining compliance with our codes (not a heavy handed oppression), improving safety, further reduction of crime, demanding open and transparent government, along with my commitment to supporting what the residents desire. I will sponsor implementation of senior and fixed income fee and tax relief programs to enhance our seniors’ quality of life.

I will continue to work to ensure that students that go to school here also live here, reducing overcrowding and future redistricting, and ensuring our schools remain safe and secure. I will continue to address the concerns of residents on a fixed income while meeting the needs of growing families, businesses and future development by sponsoring a Utilities Advisory Board charged with reviewing the Enterprise, including infrastructure, funding and budgeting.

The Nov. 4th election is of great importance to Cooper City. It is, and has always been my committed goal to represent all residents regardless of the district lines. This is an ‘At-Large’ vote, meaning anyone in the city can vote for me. It is responding to your emails, letters, and phone calls that have resulted in your confidence in me, and I wish continue to serve on your behalf with your support.

I will continue to work hard to support our residents and business owners, implementing additional programs and working directly with you to help make you successful, resolving your issues, and continuing to maintain the title of your ‘Go To’ Commissioner.

Friday, September 19, 2014

I want to let everyone know
that the Cooper City Commission is proposing, in the upcoming final budget
hearing on Monday, September 22nd
at 6:30 PM, to approve a nearly $50
million dollar budget! During the first budget hearing on September 15th,
the only item that was discussed in regards to this entire budget was the
Storage Lot Fees. Commissioner James Curran demanded that the storage lot fees
remain the same and NOT be reduced,
as previously promised to the Storage Lot tenants. Please come to the final
budget meeting and show your support for Item 6-D-5, ‘Approving an amendment to the Lease,
Lease Rates and Rules and Regulations for the Municipal Parking Facilities – Res. No. 14-9-12’. Come out and tell
Commissioner Curran that we are sick and tired of him wasting our hard earned
money and not living up to his promises! What do you have to say about this? Let’s
keep the storage lot fees low! Please, come out and let your voice be heard!

The issue of the Cooper
City Commission giving themselves a hefty pay raise is on the commission agenda
for public hearings on Tuesday, October 14th and October 28th, at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
The pay raise is scheduled to be anywhere between 100 and 233%. I object to the
pay raise for many reasons as I have previously stated. Please be there to
voice your opinion and concerns.

The Education
Advisory Board of Cooper City is sponsoring a Candidates Forum on Wednesday,
October 15th at 7PM in the Cooper
City Hall Auditorium. As your ‘Go To’ Commissioner, it is my pleasure to
invite you to participate in this event.

The issue regarding the
closure, or opening, of 53rd
street and Palm Avenue has been
addressed for the ‘umpteenth time’ at our last commission meeting. I have
received many, many emails and calls about this issue, and I have always
supported the resident’s wishes on this issue. There are legitimate concerns by the residents who live
along 53rd Street that too many vehicles use it as a through street from 106th
to 100th Avenues, with many of them speeding while they do so. With the left
turn blocked off, this concern was mitigated, but the traffic has had to shift
up to 51st Street or down to the Sterling Springs entrance, forcing residents
to wander through other streets to get to and from their homes, and simply
transferring a problem from one street to another. There are no stop signs on
53rd Street, so it has been the preferred route compared to 51st with its two
stop signs, for traversing from 106th to 100th. It is suspected that many of
the drivers using the shortcut to 100th Avenue do not live in the neighborhood,
making it even more frustrating for locals.In addition, rather than quote all of the details and
facts, you can read more about it at http://aroundcoopercity.wordpress.com There is a great amount of detail in
addition to the background and history synopsis of this issue which can be
viewed at http://www.johnbsims.com/SW53StreetBackground.pdf

The city commission
directed the city manager to remove the barrels on a temporary basis, perform another
traffic study over the next few weeks if the county approves and agrees to it,
which will include traffic counts, and speed monitoring on the neighborhood thoroughfares.
This was the only way to get the county to do the study in order to resolve the
issue in the long run. At that point, in order to be able to obtain real time
and reliable data, the county will remove
the barrels from Palm Avenue and perform a subsequent traffic study in
order to justify stop sign implementation, enhancing the position that the 53rd
street thoroughfare is unsafe in order to possibly install stop signs in the
future.

Cooper City residents will be rewarded very soon since we
implemented a recycling points program. Cooper City will offer RecycleBank, an
online rewards program that distributes points based on the amount of material
recycled. Homeowners can trade those points for discounts at local restaurants,
obtain retailer coupons and also obtain free items such as magazine
subscriptions and other goodies. Currently, our residents recycle an average
150 pounds of per year which is a 20 percent increase in recycling after the
city introduced the larger rollout carts last year. The truck will be weighed
after each route and the points equally distributed among those who sign up for
the program. Other ways to earn points are to report "green actions,"
such as riding a bike to the store or walking to school, taking surveys or
quizzes and watching educational videos. I certainly hope RecycleBank will
increase our recycling efforts, and in addition, the program will certainly
help educate all of us on other ways to be "green" and also to help
promote local businesses.

If you haven’t seen the new
(now old) Face Book page for Cooper City, (Cooper City Community Corner) you’re
too late… All of the posts, comments and the entire page have been forever deleted!
That’s too bad, especially since there were over 4,000 participants, in
addition to some great discussions and issues presented that directly affected
you. However, you can visit my Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/keepsims

Have
your vote from home counted first by voting by
mail. It is the easiest and most convenient way to participate in our
upcoming election. If you have any questions, email me personally at johnsims@bellsouth.netor call me on my cell at (954) 445-6997. If you've already registered to vote from
home by mail, please forward this email to your Cooper City friends and neighbors and ask them to
do the same. Voting from home by mail is
simple and it saves time. Sign up now and avoid the long lines and the wait!

Don’t forget to mark your
calendars for my next Town Hall meeting
on Monday, October 20th at 7
PM, at the City Hall Commission Chambers. Please be there to voice your
concerns and to show your support!

Thank you for your unwavering
and continued support, and if you would like a yard sign, please let me know.
Also, any and all donations are gladly and humbly accepted. You can
donate any amount on my website at http://www.KeepSims.com

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Facebook and my blog have been incredibly beneficial to me
as your ‘Go To’ commissioner, because it has definitely opened a big window
into the soul of the Cooper City community. I can't serve our residents and
business owners well if I don't know what they demand in a leader. People ask
why I put such effort into this page. The answer is simple...It's my job to
know. Keep telling me what your issues are and I'll keep asking you for ideas
and for your opinions, especially on how you want to resolve the many issues that
our city faces. Thank you for your continuing support in allowing me to be your
‘Go To’ Commissioner!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

I hope all of you had a great Labor Day weekend! The issue of the Cooper City Commission giving themselves a hefty pay raise is on the commission agenda for tomorrow, Thursday, September 11that 6:30 PM at City Hall. The pay raise is scheduled to be anywhere between 100 and 233%, Why that day was picked still remains a mystery…Please be there to voice your opinion and concerns.

I would like to comment on the Utilities dept. and say what a great job they have done in managing the water pipe replacement in Timberlake! Not only has Mike Bailey and his dedicated crew done a fantastic job, but so has Killebrew, the contractor. This project is nearing completion, and there has been a minimal impact and minimal service outages throughout the development. Kudos to Killebrew and the Cooper City Utilities Department…great job!

The Flag ceremony at the community center very successful and everyone commented how well it was performed. Unfortunately, a personal commitment prevented from attending. I would however remind you that the Governor has proclaimed tomorrow as Patriot Day and has asked that all flags be flown at half-mast to remember those who gave their lives and in remembrance of the citizens who lost their lives, in addition to their families, on September 11th. Please say a prayer or give a moment of silence for them. They will always be remembered…

On September 15, 1024 at 6.30 pm in the Cooper City Commission Chambers, a presentation will be made by of the results of a recently completed traffic study conducted Calvin & Giordano at Pioneer Middle School. As you are aware, the traffic conditions associated with the drop off and pick up of students has a deleterious impact on traffic and student safety. The study was commissioned by the City to determine what remedies, if any, could be found. The study and its results will be presented at the Commission meeting and we request your attendance as we address this significant safety concern.

I also want to let everyone know that Cooper City is proposing (at the last budget workshop), in the upcoming budget, to appropriate a $100,000 ‘donation’ to Cooper City schools. You can see where the Cooper City portion of the $800M bond is going to be allocated at http://www.KeepSims.com/SMART.pdf What do you have to say about this? Please, let your voice be heard!

Our sewer rehabilitation contractor USSI Inc., will commence work in the Rock Creek and Flamingo Gardens areas. This will involve work inside all of the manholes and also smoke testing of the system. During this test, the contractor will force smoke into the sanitary sewer lines to check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system. Prior to the smoke testing, the contractor will distribute door hangers to notify residents, and we will also follow up with another message to you in advance. Jeff Roberson (954-434-4300 ext-118) is the administrator for this project. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested and let us know if you have any questions.

If you haven’t seen the new Face Book page for Cooper City, then check it out! You can 'LIKE' the page at http://www.facebook.com/coopercitycorner All of the posts have been great so far...LIKE and participate!

Thank you for your support and if you would like a yard sign, please let me know. Also, any and all donations are gladly and humbly accepted. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

We are asking all of our Cooper City residents to come out to the special Commission meeting on September 11th at City Hall beginning at 6:30 PM. The Commission is discussing giving themselves a minimum of a 100% to a maximum of 233% pay raise! While the charter gives them the power to do it, it doesn't state the amounts. I can't imagine themselves giving THEMSELVES that kind of an increase. As Taxpayers this will mean a minimum of $30,000.00 per year up to $70,000.00 total per year, each. It is important to remember that it is an elected position and a part-time one at that, but of course Comm. Curran will attack me on that premise. We pay a city manager over $150K to run our city.

You can view the entire discussion at the Commission Meeting at http://cooper.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2... . If you would like to see the Commissioners discuss the topic of their raises click on http://cooper.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2... and go to 1:58. We went three times around before the vote. Listen to the rationale of some of the city commission members as to why they are voting for a pay raise...ridiculous, and absurd in my humble opinion as to why the commission deserves a raise! This is all about public service, not about making money on your dime!

Apparently some on the Commission have publicly stated that I voted NO at the above referenced meeting (and I quote) 'because it is an election year'. Let me set the record straight with truth and facts...I voted NO for the reasons explained on record in the above referenced video. In addition, I have voted NO for commission pay raises at least twice in the past, since I have been so fortunate to represent your best interests, for the same reasons. Don't be fooled...I think it is absurd for the commission to ask for a pay raise when there are families in Cooper City who are still struggling to make ends meet...

Monday, August 11, 2014

Please take the Poll/Survey on the issue of whether or not the Cooper City Commission should give themselves a pay raise between $12,000 and $20,000 annually, located further down on this page in the right navigation pane...

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Effective immediately, our District 16 BSO office will serve as safe
havens for online buyers and sellers to meet in our parking lot or lobby area.
This initiative is expanding the public service (child custody cases, etc.) and
practices we already have in place at District Offices. The District 16 Police
department is located at 10580 Stirling Road,
and can be reached at (954) 432-9000 (non-emergency number)

An issue that has arisen at the last Commission meeting is that of allowing
dogs in our parks. There have been some valid and health concerns raised from
residents. I have always loved dogs and don't necessarily agree with allowing
them in our parks for a multitude of reasons. Health, safety and bacteria are
just a few. I do however, fully SUPPORT a Dog Park in Cooper City! We have
plenty of open space and funds to be able to support this effort in our
community. I have already heard from numerous residents who support a dog park.
Do you? Please let me know your thoughts on this issue...

One of the most controversial issues as of late has been the issue of the
Cooper City Commission giving themselves a hefty pay raise. I am here to set
the record straight (for the third time). You can view the entire discussion at
the Commission Meeting HERE. If you would like to see the Commissioners discuss the topic
of their raises click on THIS LINK and go to
1:58. We went three times around before the vote. Listen to the rationale of
some of the city commission members as to why they are voting for a pay
raise...ridiculous, and absurd in my humble opinion as to why the
commission deserves a raise! This is all about public service, not about
making money on your dime!

Apparently some on the Commission have publicly stated
that I voted NO at the above referenced meeting (and I quote) 'because it
is an election year'. Let me set the record straight with truth and facts...I
voted NO for the reasons explained on record in the above referenced video. In
addition, I have voted NO for commission pay raises at least twice in the past,
since I have been so fortunate to represent your best interests, for the same
reasons. Don't be fooled...I think it is absurd for the commission to ask for a
pay raise when there are families in Cooper City who are still struggling to
make ends meet! I am sure the 'politricks' will escalate between now and
November 4th.

I also want to let everyone know that Cooper City is proposing (at the last budget workshop),
in the upcoming budget, to appropriate $100,000 to Cooper City schools. While I
am all for education, I also want to assure you that I do not support this
effort based solely on the commentary I have received from our residents to
date, especially when the Broward County School Board wants an $800+ million
dollar bond referendum in November!

As I stated at the Commission Workshop meeting,
I will more than likely in the very near future, be labeled as the
'anti-education/kids/schools' commissioner for opposing this unnecessary
expenditure on the backs of Cooper City residents and business owners. Handing
over so much money to a county run school, when our seniors need so much
besides a monthly lunch and bingo, among other more pressing issues in our
city, is disgraceful! What about the Charter Schools? Why shouldn't we give
them the same amount (being consistent as the Commission touts)? There is
still a plethora of unanswered questions...

There is absolutely no justification for this 'donation' to the school board,
no cost-benefit analysis, no discussion as to the infrastructure and
maintenance of such an expenditure, and (as Commissioner Green says repeatedly)
we cannot set a precedent in this regard, otherwise everyone will want $100K
for their cause...What do you have to say about this? Please, let your voice be
heard!

On another note...The Cooper City staff invites all of you to share your
stories, pictures and memorabilia about life in Cooper City. We already have a
time capsule for the future. The 'PRESERVING COOPER CITY'S PAST' event is
an event for residents and friends to come see our historic room and to bring
and share your own pictures, documents, videos, pictures and stories from
decades prior to 1980. Please join us...

The event will be held Sunday, July 27th at the Cooper City pool and Tennis
Center in Rock Creek from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Refreshments will be served.
For additional information, please contact the Recreation Department at (954)
434-4300 Extension 233. YOU are the key to preserving Cooper City's past!

Eastern Standard Time

Commissioner John Sims

Cooper City Commissioner

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my web log ('blog'), which is a private publication consisting of independent opinion and commentary, common-sense public policy overview with an offering of critical perspective on current events, economics, government, politics and the history, culture and future of the City of Cooper City. It is my hope that this blog will be an informative and valuable information resource for the residents of the City of Cooper City. My intent is to keep you fully informed on all issues, good or bad, directly affecting our city, our businesses, and our residents in order to create a dialog about the city and to reflect on issues and events in our community. Articles may appear not only on internal city matters, but any topic of interest such as community and social events, city business, city politics and announcements.

About Commissioner Sims

POLICY * VISION * OVERSIGHT * EXPERIENCE - John Sims was elected to the Cooper City Commission in March of 2007. Presently, he is serving as the Commissioner of Dist. One, representing the entire city, and challenging the typical role and status quo of local government. Commissioner Sims is a business, operations and management professional with many years of in-depth knowledge and experience required to manage local government operations providing oversight, vision, efficiency and accountability. Commissioner Sims has the hands on experience to effectively address and resolve the current moral, legal and political issues facing Cooper City, its residents and business owners, and to ensure that Cooper City remains more than 'Someplace Special' to live for our future generations. Advocating lower taxes, fewer regulations, and a smaller, less-intrusive government is his goal. His philosophy is that we need problem solvers in city hall, not problem creators, and that there is no more fundamental issue in our Republic than The People's trust in the honesty and integrity of its local government and elected officials. He will continue to take whatever steps necessary to keep it that way.

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Disclaimer

The views, opinions and commentary expressed on this web log are those of John Sims and may not be those of his fellow commissioners, staff, employer(s) or constituents. The use of this blog is not intended to solicit comments from other commission members or the circulation of responsive memorandum by other commission members, as this would violate the Sunshine Law. Some information contained herein may have been obtained by or through other sources and is used with permission and/or constitutes fair use.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This material is made available for the purpose of advancing understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social issues. This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who are interested in studying such information for research and educational purposes.

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